Philippians 4:18

ἀπέχω. The use of this word adds much force to the thought, when we bear in mind that it was the regular expression in the Papyri to denote the receipt of what was due, e.g., Faijûm Pap., Sept. 6, A.D. 57: ἀπέχω παρʼ ὑμῶν τὸν φόρον τοῦ ἐλα [ι] ουργίου ὧν ἔχετε [μο] υ ἐν μισθώσει. (Dsm [66]., NBS [67]., p. 56.) Chr [68]. evidently knew this sense, for he says, “ ἔδειξεν ὅτι ὀφειλή ἐστιν τὸ πρᾶγμα · τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν, ἀπέχω ”. Thus the prevailing tone of the whole context is maintained. The word is almost = “I give you a receipt for what you owed me”. The genial strain of humour is in no discord with his more serious thoughts. περισσεύω. Cf. Sayings of Jew. Fathers, p. 64: “Who is rich? He that is contented with his lot.” πεπλήρ. Classical Greek would hardly use the word in this personal sense. The closing words of the verse have underlying them the idea of sacrifice. A gift to an Apostle or spiritual teacher seems to have been regarded in the Early Church, like the gifts brought in the Eucharist, as an offering to God. The recipient is looked upon as the representative of God (see Sohm, Kirchenrecht, pp. 74 ff., 81 n.). ὀσμ. εὐωδ. “A scent of sweet savour.” θυσίαν δεκτ. “A technical term according to Sir 32:9 ” (Hpt [69].). εὐάρεστον. Cf. Romans 12:1 ff., which bears closely upon the whole passage.

[66] Deissmann (BS. = Bibelstudien, NBS. = Neue Bibelstudien).

[67] Neue Bibelstudien

[68] Chrysostom.

[69] Haupt.